BSA
Rock Climbing Merit Badge Program:
Boy Scouts News
Climbing and rappelling on real rock cliffs in the beautiful North
Carolina mountains is a fun and exciting way to challenge Scouts
and allow them the opportunity to advance themselves in Scouting.
Scouts can earn all of the requirements for the Climbing Merit
Badge with the exception of the first aid skills (requirements
1 and 2). Prior to the actual climbing day, Scouts will participate
in a ground school, which teaches them basic skills necessary
to participate in climbing. This training allows Scouts to gain
a basic understanding of the systems involved before actually
climbing. The climbing day will focus on providing Scouts the
opportunity to complete their climbs, rappels and belays for the
merit badge. Rope care, verbal commands and all aspects of maintaining
a safe climbing experience are reinforced throughout the day.
Classes of climbing and rating systems are also discussed.
LOCATION:
Trips in the Piedmont and Mountains of NC, with convenient camping
nearby:
Rock Dimensions operates under a Special Use Permit issued by
the U.S. Forest Service for guiding in Pisgah National Forest.
GROUP SIZE:
- Maximum of 10-17 participants, depending on location.
- There are many options for larger groups that
can be discussed specifically with your group (different location,
2-day program, etc.).
- Group sizes are limited due to environmental
impact concerns, permit concerns, and to allow for maximum participation.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Instruction in knots, harnesses, communication,
belaying and climbing movement
- Top-roping on 3-4 climbs, ranging from beginner
to intermediate
- Belaying and backup belaying
- Rappel instruction: equipment, fireman’s
backup belay, techniques
- Rappelling on vertical and over-hanging rock
faces using various rappel devices
ROCK DIMENSIONS PROVIDES:
Printable Climbing Gear List